With Microsoft ending support for Windows 10 on October 14, 2025, businesses must start preparing for the transition to Windows 11. This upgrade offers enhanced security, better performance, and advanced features designed to improve productivity. However, before upgrading, it’s essential to confirm that your existing hardware meets Windows 11’s system requirements.

This step-by-step guide will help you determine if your business’s devices are ready for Windows 11 and what actions to take if they aren’t.

Step 1: Verify Your Current Windows Version

Start by checking the version of Windows your devices are running:

  1. Press Windows Key + R to open the Run dialog box.
  2. Type Winver and press Enter.
  3. A window will appear displaying your Windows version.

To upgrade to Windows 11, your device should be running Windows 10, version 2004 or later. If your system is running an older version, update it before proceeding.

Step 2: Check Processor Compatibility

Windows 11 has specific CPU requirements. To check if your processor is supported:

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type msinfo32, and press Enter to open the System Information window.
  2. Locate the Processor entry to find your CPU model.
  3. Compare your processor model against Microsoft’s list of supported processors.

If your processor is not on the list, your device may not support Windows 11, and you may need to upgrade your hardware.

Step 3: Assess RAM and Storage Capacity

Windows 11 requires a minimum of 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of available storage.

To check your RAM:

  • Open System Information and find the Installed Physical Memory (RAM) entry.

To check your storage:

  • Open File Explorer and click This PC to view available storage on your primary drive.

If your device falls short, consider upgrading your RAM or storage to meet the minimum requirements.

Step 4: Verify TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot

Two critical security features—Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0 and Secure Boot—are required for Windows 11.

To check TPM version:

  1. Press Windows Key + R, type tpm.msc, and press Enter.
  2. In the TPM Management window, check the Specification Version. It should indicate 2.0.

To check Secure Boot status:

  1. Restart your computer and enter BIOS/UEFI settings by pressing the designated key during startup (commonly F2, F12, Delete, or Esc).
  2. Navigate to the Boot or Security tab to find Secure Boot.
  3. Ensure Secure Boot is enabled.

If TPM 2.0 is missing or Secure Boot is disabled, you may need to adjust BIOS settings or upgrade your hardware.

Step 5: Use the PC Health Check Tool

Microsoft provides the PC Health Check tool to assess system compatibility. Follow these steps to use it:

  1. Download the PC Health Check app from Microsoft’s website.
  2. Install and run the application.
  3. The tool will evaluate your system and indicate whether it meets Windows 11’s requirements.

If your device is not compatible, the tool will provide details on what needs to be upgraded.

Final Thoughts: Prepare for a Smooth Transition

Ensuring your business’s hardware is compatible with Windows 11 is crucial to maintaining security, compliance, and operational efficiency as Windows 10 support comes to an end. By proactively assessing your systems and planning necessary upgrades, you can avoid disruptions and ensure a seamless transition.

Need help evaluating or upgrading your systems? Tech-Keys can guide you through the process, ensuring your technology infrastructure is ready for the future. Contact us today to get started.